Loop

Abstract

A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of creating a continuous braided loop comprising the steps of providing a length of tubular braid, the length having an outer surface, a hollow inner surface, a first end and a second end, and a radial entry point located on the outer surface;
 passing the first end radially inward at the radial entry point and moving the first end in a first direction along, a portion of a length of the hollow inner surface; and 
 passing the second end radially inward at the radial entry point and moving the second end in a second direction along a portion of the length of the hollow inner surface. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of causing the first and second ends to abut. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of fixing the first and second ends to the braid. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3  wherein the fixing may be accomplished by one of the following: sewing, adhering or pinning. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of causing the first end to radially exit the outer surface at a first location on the outer surface and subsequently radially reenter the braid at a second location on the outer surface. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  wherein the first and second direction are opposed. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of providing an apertured device having at least one opening therethrough and passing the length of braid through the device opening so as to incorporate the aperture device into the loop.